Album Review :: Blind Guardian - Nightfall In Middle Earth

Album Review :: Blind Guardian - Nightfall In Middle Earth
Posted :: Apr 8, 2005 by kompakt

Band:: Blind Guardian
Genre:: Power/prog metal
Album:: Nightfall In Middle Earth

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Robin Hood and his Merry Men picked up twenty-first century instruments and started a band? It would probably be much like the German power metal act, Blind Guardian. With fast drumming, quick guitars, and stunning vocals, Blind Guardian is currently one of the best bands in its genre, and isn't going to leave the top charts anytime soon.

Blind Guardian, like many other bands, had to work hard to get to where they are today, and in the process have released many albums, which exemplify the band's progress over the years. Since a review on every single album would be lengthy, it seems more appropriate to review a single album which was at the peak of their career back in 1998, and by many is still considered their best work they've ever created. This noteworthy album is none less than Nightfall In Middle Earth. The album got its theme from J.R.R Tolkien's book The Silmarillion, and in between tracks there are descriptions and phrases to help you along in the journey through Middle Earth if you haven't read the book before. Other than having a long story throughout the album, Blind Guardian incorporates some of the most epic works they've ever done by using guitar styles that are both powerful, but somewhat "folky" at the same time. A good example can be heard in the song "Mirror Mirror". The drumming is also quite skilled. A good example of excellent drumming can be found in the song "When Sorrow Sang" which has the fastest drumming on the whole album. The vocals are also fantastic on every track, but they're at their highest in the song "Blood Tears", where Hansi, the lead singer, can sing softly and smooth, and then quickly go into a rough growl and reach very high notes and then plunge down into the lower notes. A choir is incorporated in some tracks as well which is a nice touch.

This album is a must for any power/prog metal fan, or for the Tolkien fan that likes his/her stories told in the form of songs. After listening to Blind Guardian's Nightfall In Middle Earth, I saw just why exactly Blind Guardian is the one of the best bands in their genre. If you're even remotely interested, treat your ears to Blind Guardian.

--Kompakt